U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow talks about the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act in Kalamazoo. (April 1, 2015)

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow was in West Michigan Wednesday to announce new legislation that she says will help Alzheimer’s patients and their families.

Stabenow has been making rounds across her home state touting the HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act. HOPE stands for Health Outcomes, Planning and Education.

The Democratic senator says the bipartisan legislation would create a care management planning session for newly diagnosed patients, making sure they are informed about the disease and treatment options.

She said she is also pushing for more research funding.

“The least researched organ in our bodies is the brain, and yet it affects everything. And so if we can unlock what’s happening on Alzheimer’s, it can also affect Parkinson’s and MS and mental illnesses and every other disease of the brain,” Stabenow said. “So research is absolutely critical.”

Stabenow said she hopes the legislation will also encourage early diagnosis.

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